For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Two-spotted Ground Beetle (Anthia burchellii )

I have now found three species of Two-spotted Ground beetles here, the latest is Anthia burchellii.

One has to look closely on finding them as they can easily be confused so I am posting pictures of all three here to see if you can spot the difference.

They are usually found foraging alone and all three species occur in the same areas.

They are large beetles, over 3cm (1.5”) in body length with mandibles which are scary to see so close up.



The other two species are: Anthia thoracica (above) and Thermophilum homoplatum (below)

They eat live insects and can be found both at night and during the day hunting for prey.

3 comments:

Gaelyn said...

Definitely a difference in these three beetles, yet all their mandibles look scary.

I remember seeing the nubs on trees by Sidwalha cave amongst the dinosaurs.

Craig Glenn said...

Very nice bug lady!

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Gaelyn and Craig. Scary critters when you see them up close. :)